THOUSANDS of people helped raise an impressive amount of money for charity at a proms night held in the grounds of a grand mansion near Alcester.

A 7,000-strong crowd enjoyed the annual Battle Proms open air picnic on Saturday, August 15 in the Ragley Estate.

Guests experienced a programme of classical music including the Battle Proms signature piece – Beethoven’s Battle Symphony, a breath-taking show by the RAF Falcons parachute display team followed by choreographed spitfire and cavalry displays, dramatic cannon fire and a stunning firework finale overlooking the lake.

This year’s event marked the 70th anniversary of V-J Day when the Second World War finally ended after Japan's surrender.

It also remembered 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo when Napoleon’s rule as Emperor of the French was ended and the 75th year since the Battle of Britain.

The event raised £8,986 for the veteran's mental health charity Combat Stress.

Each year the concert raises funds for the charity which specialises in helping veterans of the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy with psychological injuries caused through service to their country.

Amie Allen, from Combat Stress, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Battle Proms again, and to date have raised over £225,000 at various concerts over the years.

“We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the generous Ragley Battle Prommers, many of whom attend year on year and never fail to surprise us with their generosity.”

The event will return to Ragley on Saturday, August 20 2016.
For more information visit www.battleproms.com or www.ragley.co.uk.